15

When Penny and Sheldon arrived at the Humanities cafeteria they were amazed. It was quite a bit larger than the one in the Physics Building and very modern. And instead of serving traditional cafeteria fare there were booths representing a variety of local restaurants, including The Cheesecake Factory, and serving their fare.

"Sheldon, almost all of the booths are Sheldon-approved restaurants."

Sheldon was dumbstruck.

"Look, there's Missy over at that table."

They wandered over to the table and Missy gestured for Sheldon to give her the baby who was just waking up. Missy looked like she was preparing to breastfeed him.

"Missy, I don't think you should expose yourself like that in public."

"Shelly, it's not against the rules. And besides, look around. There are at least three other women in here feedin' their little ones."

"Well I will sit on the same side of the table as you to block anyone from watching and so I do not have to watch myself."

"Shelly, this is a perfectly natural thing. I don't get why you still get embarrassed by it."

"Missy, Sheldon is doing pretty well if you ask me. He's still here. I figured he'd run out of the room."

"Okay I won't push it. Anyway, since I know time is limited I took the liberty of orderin' for you. I already ate."

"How did you know what I would like? Sheldon asked.

"Oh I took a guess. I think you'll like it. Now we usually don't have table service but bein' the new boss has its perks."

A young man approached them with a tray of food. Penny received a chicken Caesar salad and Sheldon got a barbecue bacon cheeseburger with barbecue sauce, bacon and cheese on the side. Each of them also got French fries and lemonade.

"Missy, I believe this may become my regular Monday lunch place."

"Thought you might like it."

"So when are you starting, Missy?"

"I kind of already have. The previous manager quit suddenly and they really need me."

"Missy, how will we manage child care? We can't impose on Penny. After all she has work to do for me."

"I know. Luckily, there's a child care center here in this building and I already signed us up. Unfortunately there's no space in the mornings yet but we're all set for the afternoons starting tomorrow. I can take breaks to feed him. We'll start mornings next week."

"Missy, I was looking forward to him spending time with me, um, us."

"Shelly, if you really want, I can leave him with you a couple of days a week. Is that okay?"

"That will be acceptable. And of course I will still need to inspect their facility."

"Of course. I already gave them a heads up."

Penny felt her phone vibrate. There was a text from Leonard.

WANTED 2 SURPRISE U 4 LUNCH & SHELDON'S OFFICE IS EMPTY. WHERE R U? – L

"Leonard's looking for me."

"How surprising." Sheldon responded with a possible hint of sarcasm.

HAVING LUNCH AT HUMANITIES AT MISSY'S NEW WORK. - P

"I'm not gonna say anything about the new office yet."

"Wise move."

OK. I'LL COME OVER THERE. - L

"He wants to come over."

"Tell him it's a working lunch. We're reviewing your duties."

"Good idea."

WE'RE WORKING, LEONARD. CU 2NITE. - P

K – L

"Unbelievable. I can tell from his text that he's sulking."

"Penny, Leonard is almost always sulking when you are not present."

"Awwww."

"I did not intend that comment to reflect well upon him."

"Well, it did anyway."

"Missy, are you satisfied with the conditions of your employment?"

"Sure am. They're payin' me more'n twice what I was gettin' at Fuddruckers. Of course, there's no tips here."

"That means you will be able to fully button up your blouse."

"Shelly, I wear my clothes this way because I like to, not because it gets me bigger tips. Except Penny and I both know that it also does do that. Don't we sweetie."

"Ummmm."

"Penny, do not act alarmed, but Leonard is over at the entrance to the cafeteria trying to not be observed. He must have run over here. He is utilizing his inhaler."

"I can't believe he's spying on me."

"Penny, are you truly surprised? There is a strong possibility that unattached males may be present here. Leonard's insecurities have come to the fore. He is likely here to, what was the term Missy taught me, to cock block."

"Sheldon, I already agreed to marry him. He can quit the jealousy crap."

"Penny, if he didn't quit the jealousy crap as you say when he was dating Leslie, or Stephanie, or Priya, why would Leonard do so now?"

"Fair point. But he really has to get past it. I made a commitment."

"Leonard has made multiple commitments. It has never stopped him from seeking to sample other wares. Especially yours."

"Sheldon, can we please drop it?"

"Alright. It looks as though he is sneaking away in any case."

"Good."

"Penny, we will need to leave shortly if you are to finish reviewing your paperwork and meet with Mrs. Davis."

"Okay, Sheldon. And speaking of that paperwork, how did you know exactly how much I weighed this morning to the ounce?"

"I am a physicist, Penny. I know everything."

"Yeah, and you didn't have to mention my tattoo, especially since you only know about one of them."

"You have not seen fit to share the other with me and I have no independent corroboration that it indeed exists."

"Oh, Cookie Monster exists all right. Just ask your ex-roommate."

"Penny, must I? It would only start another tiresome argument."

"Okay, just forget that I said that."

"If only I could."